Willie Mullins has offered a detailed look at his runners for day two of the Cheltenham Festival. His assessment includes observations on their form, strengths, and potential challenges.
Assessing the Runners
One horse finished third in the Moscow Flyer on his first run. Mullins noted the horse was very keen that day. The hope is Mark Walsh can get him settled this time, with his French experience and form over hurdles potentially coming into play. Mullins believes the ground will be a significant help.
Another runner performed well in the Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. Paul has opted to ride him. Mullins is happy to follow his jockey’s choice and feels the horse has improved since the last race.
A further contender had a good run at Christmas, only beaten by a more experienced horse. He then showed his wellbeing at Thurles when the ground was better. Mullins believes this horse has every right to be in the race and won’t be a backmarker.
One horse disappointed at Naas last time, but Mullins feels he is back to his old self. If that’s the case, he expects him to be in the leading group coming down the hill to the second last.
Trip and Tactical Advantages
The extra trip is expected to benefit one of the runners. Mullins believes the horse is well able to handle the distance, and the ground will suit him. His inexperience over hurdles is a concern, but his jumping at home has been good, and his tactical speed at the finish could be an asset. Mullins suggests he is sure to be there or thereabouts.
Another horse had a good run at Naas, despite the last two hurdles being taken out. The lack of jumps in the final stages of the race was a negative for him, but the run puts him in contention.
A good, solid horse who fell earlier in his career has won the last twice. His form looks good, and Mullins thinks we haven’t seen the best of him yet. He is described as lazy, and Danny could be the right jockey to work him out.
Wellbeing and Recent Form
Mullins believes one horse has turned the corner and seems better at home. If he’s back to himself, Mullins expects a really good race, potentially hard to beat. However, he has disappointed in the last two races, so things need to go right. His wellbeing on the day is key. He travelled over well, is happy, and in good form on the gallops.
Another horse won in good style at Navan last time and is improving with every race over fences. He needs a career-best to win, but he’s going the right way.
One runner did everything right in Leopardstown, jumping and galloping well with the cheekpieces back on. If he can repeat that at Cheltenham, it gives him a real chance.
Harry Cobden will ride one of the horses. His run at Sandown should be disregarded, leaving his performance at Kempton over Christmas, where he beat Kaid d’Authie at Punchestown.
Mullins provides a detailed overview of each horse’s chances, highlighting both their strengths and potential vulnerabilities ahead of day two.